In situ synthesis of amorphous titanium dioxide supported RuO2 as a carbon-free cathode for non-aqueous Li–O2 batteries

Abstract

Amorphous TiO₂ supported crystalline RuO₂ (a-TiO₂/c-RuO₂ hybrid) was prepared as a carbon-free cathode by in situ sol–gel synthesis, and its electrochemical performance in non-aqueous Li–O₂ batteries was investigated for the first time. The a-TiO₂/c-RuO₂ hybrid enhanced battery performance, and this enhancement was attributed to the crystallinity of the TiO₂. It was found that amorphous TiO₂ is more electrochemically active toward the discharge/charge processes than crystalline TiO₂. The a-TiO₂/c-RuO₂ hybrid exhibited good reversibility as well as cyclic stability, making it a promising carbon-free cathode material for non-aqueous Li–O₂ batteries.